Recognition of credit points earned abroad
This page describes the process for having credit points that you have earned abroad recognised. This description is limited to credit points obtained by HAW Hamburg students during semesters abroad and summer schools at partner universities. For all other questions related to recognition of credit points obtained elsewhere (e.g. at other German universities), please contact the Department of Business Examinations Committee.
Process
You can find a detailed description (in German) of the recognition process in the Recognition information sheet from the Department of Business. The basics of the process are outlined briefly here:
- Congratulations – You have applied for a semester abroad at one of your department's partner universities and have been nominated for a place.
- To make the review process for potential recognition of credits simpler, please familiarise yourself with the module handbooks from the partner university and your degree course. If you find modules where the skills and content acquired overlap significantly, note these in a list – ideally with a note about where the module description is located (e.g. partner university website, PDF page of the module handbook).
- When your list is complete, make an appointment with Herrn Jan-Hendrik Schünemann to talk about having the credit points recognised. Alternatively, you can send the list for him to review directly.
- Once you have reached an agreement, you will need the Department of Business credit point recognition table. Fill this out and send it to Mr. Schünemann for his signature. Students who are attending a partner university through the Erasmus Programme also need to complete a learning agreement. This also needs to be signed by Mr. Schünemann.
- When you have successfully completed your semester abroad and are back in Hamburg, you will need to apply for recognition by submitting your transcript of records from the partner university and the recognition table to the Faculty Service Office.
FAQs about having credit points recognised
When can I discuss which courses I should take to have the credit points recognised?
................................................................................................................................................................................................
You can discuss recognition of credit points as soon as you have been accepted for a place at a partner university. Make sure to do so early in order to meet all the necessary deadlines. The review and possible follow-up questions will take some time.
Where can I find the partner university's module descriptions?
................................................................................................................................................................................................
Check whether a course list has been uploaded to the EMIL room for outgoing students.
Visit the partner university website and look there for module descriptions.
Contact the student exchange coordinator at the partner university.
Can I have modules from higher semesters recognised?
................................................................................................................................................................................................
Yes, any module that you haven't completed can be recognised as long as you attend a suitable equivalent.
Can I improve my grades in previously completed modules through recognition of credit points?
................................................................................................................................................................................................
No. Recognition of credit points can only take place if you have not completed an attempt or failed attempt in a module.
Can I have a module recognised if I already have a failed attempt in the same module?
................................................................................................................................................................................................
No. Recognition of credit points can only take place if you have not completed an attempt or failed attempt in a module.
I'm unhappy with the grade from the partner university. Am I required to have the module recognised?
................................................................................................................................................................................................
No. There is no requirement to have the/all credit points recognised.
Can credits for summer/winter schools be recognised?
................................................................................................................................................................................................
Yes, the rules are the same as those for a semester abroad. IMPORTANT: Only summer/winter schools at partner universities can be recognised. The possibility of having credits recognised can also be reviewed before you apply for a place, as long as the process outlined above is followed.
The module at the partner university isn't being offered / is full / overlaps with another module. What should I do?
................................................................................................................................................................................................
Please get in touch with Mr. Schünemann well ahead of time to discuss possible solutions. The credit point recognition table and/or the learning agreement can also be adjusted during the semester abroad.
Where can I find the credit point recognition table?
................................................................................................................................................................................................
You can find the table in the EMIL room for outgoing students.